Ansi api rp 100 2 2015 (american petroleum institute)

RP 100 2 pages fm Managing Environmental Aspects Associated with Exploration and Production Operations Including Hydraulic Fracturing ANSI/API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 100 2 FIRST EDITION, AUGUST 2015 Spe[.]

Managing Environmental Aspects Associated with Exploration and Production Operations Including Hydraulic Fracturing

ANSI/API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 100-2

FIRST EDITION, AUGUST 2015

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API is not undertaking to meet the duties of employers, manufacturers, or suppliers to warn and properly train and equip their employees, and others exposed, concerning health and safety risks and precautions, nor undertaking their obligations to comply with authorities having jurisdiction Information concerning safety and health risks and proper precautions with respect to particular materials and conditions should be obtained from the employer, the manufacturer or supplier of that material, or the safety data sheet

API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so Every effort has been made by the Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them; however, the Institute makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with this publication and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for the violation of any authorities having jurisdiction with which this publication may conflict

API publications are published to facilitate the broad availability of proven, sound engineering and operating practices These publications are not intended to obviate the need for applying sound engineering judgment regarding when and where these publications should be utilized The formulation and publication of API publications

is not intended in any way to inhibit anyone from using any other practices

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is solely responsible for complying with all the applicable requirements of that standard API does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that such products do in fact conform to the applicable API standard

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Publisher, API Publishing Services, 1220 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005

Copyright © 2015 American Petroleum Institute

The verbal forms used to express the provisions in this specification are as follows:

— the term “shall” denotes a minimum requirement in order to conform to the specification;

— the term “must” denotes a requirement in order to conform with regulatory obligations;

— the term “should” denotes a recommendation or that which is advised but not required in order to conform to the specification;

— the term “may” is used to express permission or a provision that is optional;

— the term “can” is used to express possibility or capability

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Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the Standards Department, API, 1220 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005, standards@api.org

iii

1 Scope 1

1.1 General 1

1.2 Conditions of Applicability 1

2 Normative References 2

3 Terms, Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations 2

3.1 Terms and Definitions 2

3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations 6

4 Planning 7

4.1 Planning and Design Considerations 7

4.2 Project Life-cycle Considerations 7

4.3 General Documentation 8

4.4 Self-assessment and Follow-up 8

5 Site Selection and Considerations 8

5.1 General 8

5.2 Site Plan 9

5.3 Surface Considerations 9

5.4 Consideration of Visual Resources 10

5.5 Noise Considerations 11

5.6 Road Use and Transportation Considerations 12

5.7 Temporary Impacts 12

6 Spill Prevention, Control, and Response 13

6.1 General 13

6.2 Transportation of Materials 13

6.3 Primary and Secondary Containment 13

6.4 Operational Procedures 14

6.5 Contingency Procedures 16

6.6 Training for Well Site Personnel 17

6.7 Stormwater Management and Control 17

7 Logistics 18

8 Baseline Groundwater Sampling 18

8.1 General 18

8.2 Scope of Sampling Program 19

8.3 Parameters 20

8.4 QA/QC Samples 21

8.5 Additional Sampling and Analyses 21

9 Source Water Management 22

9.1 General 22

9.2 Evaluate Source Water Requirements 22

9.3 Develop Water Sourcing Plan 26

10 Material Selection 29

10.1 General 29

v

10.2 Selection of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids 29

10.3 Materials used in Hydraulic Fracturing 30

11 Transportation of Materials and Equipment 31

11.1 Transportation Planning 31

11.2 Transportation Execution 32

11.3 Documentation and Data Collection 33

12 Mobilization, Rig-up, Execution, and Demobilization 33

12.1 General 33

12.2 Pre-job Hazard Assessment 33

12.3 Mobilization 34

12.4 Rig-up 35

12.5 Management of Change 36

12.6 Execution 36

12.7 Rig-down and Demobilization 37

12.8 Well Site Restoration 37

13 Storage and Management of Fluids and Materials for Hydraulic Fracturing Treatment 38

13.1 General 38

13.2 Additive Management, Storage, and Use 38

13.3 Produced Water Management and Storage 40

13.4 Training 42

13.5 Documentation 42

14 Management of Solid and Liquid Wastes from Exploration, Development, and Production Operations 43 14.1 Waste Management Planning 43

14.2 Waste Management Hierarchy 44

15 Air Quality 46

15.1 General 46

15.2 General Emission Controls 46

15.3 Data Collection and Documentation 47

15.4 Reduced Emissions Technologies 47

15.5 Engines 47

Annex A (informative) Additives 48

Bibliography 51

vi

a) baseline groundwater sampling;

b) source water management;

c) material selection;

d) transportation of materials and equipment;

e) storage and management of fluids and chemicals;

f) management of solid and liquid wastes;

g) air emissions;

h) site planning;

i) training;

j) noise and visual resources

This document provides a general discussion of exploration and production operations, which does not supersede the review of applicable local, state, and federal regulatory requirements Operators should consider available industry standards and guidance that can provide additional information

In addition to this document, API 100-1 contains recommended practices for well construction and fracture stimulation design and execution as it relates to well integrity, groundwater protection and fracture containment for onshore wells The recommended practices relate to two areas: well integrity during the design and installation of well equipment, and fracture containment during the design and execution of hydraulic fracturing treatments

1.2 Conditions of Applicability

This document provides technical guidance only, and practices included herein may not be applicable in all regions and/or circumstances This document does not constitute legal advice regarding compliance with legal or regulatory contractual requirements, risk mitigation, or internal company policies and procedures, where applicable Where legal

or regulatory requirements are mentioned, this document is not intended to be all-inclusive The operator is responsible for determining compliance with applicable legal or regulatory requirements

2 Normative References

The following referenced document is indispensable for the application of this document For dated references, only the edition cited applies For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies

API Recommended Practice 68, Recommended Practice for Oil and Gas Well Servicing and Workover Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide

3 Terms, Definitions, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

3.1 Terms and Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions shall apply

A condition of unequal geomechanical properties along different axes or directions

NOTE Can include differential axes of stress

3.1.9

development

The phase of the field life-cycle after exploration when an oil or gas field is determined to be economically viable

NOTE This phase involves the construction of one or more wells and related facilities and infrastructure for the purposes of production

Water generally characterized by having low concentrations of dissolved solids

NOTE Multiple regulatory and legal definitions of this term exist and should be checked for applicability to a specific situation

3.1.18

hydraulic fracturing fluid

A fluid blend that can include a base fluid, proppant, and other additives, that is expressly designed to hydraulically induce fractures in the target formation

3.1.19

impoundment

An earthen-bermed or excavated storage area, above- or below-grade, to store fluid used in onshore operations

The ground surface where wells and production equipment are placed and/or operations conducted

NOTE 1 A pad is usually constructed to provide a stable surface for equipment used in exploration and production (E&P) activities.NOTE 2 Several wells can be located on one pad to reduce the overall surface disturbance

total petroleum hydrocarbons

A concentration or mass of petroleum hydrocarbon constituents in a given amount of media

+

12 - Ca([ 2+]+[Mg2+]) -

=

The area surrounding and contiguous to a single or multiple-well pad.

3.2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

BTEX benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

DOT Department of Transportation

E&P exploration and production

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

PPE personal protection equipment

QA/QC quality assurance/quality control

MS/MSD matrix spike/matrix spike duplicate

SAR sodium absorption ratio

SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act

SDS safety data sheet [formerly known as a material safety data sheet (MSDS)]

SOP standard operating procedure

SPCC spill prevention, control, and countermeasures

TDS total dissolved solids

UIC underground injection control

VOC volatile organic compound

4 Planning

4.1 Planning and Design Considerations

Planning and design for exploration, development, and production operations is essential to managing the environmental aspects effectively and should be started at the conceptual stages of site development Planning allows the operator to better anticipate issues and events prior to execution of the drilling and completions including hydraulic fracturing operations Planning also allows for consideration of external factors that may not be obvious to the operator when conceptualizing the project During the planning process, a single point of contact should be established who has overall responsibility for the project and can direct individual leads for the various activities

Before site construction begins, logistics and timing for the following should be taken under careful consideration:

a) site selection (see Section 5);

b) local, state, and federal legal and regulatory requirements including relevant permitting for the project;

c) community outreach and engagement (see API 100-3);

d) spill prevention, control, and response (see Section 6);

e) logistics (see Section 7);

f) baseline ground water sampling (see Section 8);

g) source water management (see Section 9);

h) material selections associated with hydraulic fracturing (see Section 10);

i) transportation of materials and equipment (see Section 11);

j) mobilization, rig-up, and demobilization (see Section 12);

k) storage and management of fluids and additives on-site (see Section 13);

l) management of solid and liquid wastes (see Section 14);

m) employee training (see API 75L);

n) job safety analysis (JSA)

These activities are likely to vary depending on the complexity, scope, and size of the project and are likely to evolve

as conditions change The items listed above should be re-evaluated to optimize environmental management See 4.2 for more information

4.2 Project Life-cycle Considerations

As part of project planning, operators should recognize that most, if not all, drilling, completion, and production activities will change as a project progresses from the exploration phase to the development phase to the production phase Planning for several, isolated exploration wells has considerably different technical, environmental, safety, and business challenges compared to planning for an extensive multi-well, multi-location development program coincident with design and installation of centralized oil and gas gathering and processing facilities Planning decisions should

be appropriate for the phase of the project; however, operators should weigh the short-term benefits of planning

decisions made during the exploration phase versus potential longer-term benefits of planning decisions that more readily accommodate project success and growth into the development and production phases.

Many of the project activities supporting drilling, completions and production will likely change out of necessity as the project grows from exploration to development and production For example, a single local water source and off-site commercial waste disposal can be appropriate for an exploration well Alternatively, plans during development may change to accommodate multiple water sources, including treated and reused water, and possible on-site waste disposal

4.3 General Documentation

4.3.1 Documentation is a critical component of any well-planned and well-executed project Operators should seek

and follow legal advice to develop their document preparation and retention procedures

4.3.2 General principles that apply to documentation processes include the following.

a) Retain final versions of documentation used in the preparation of permit applications, copies of permit applications, copies of approved permits, and any variances

b) Retain final versions of documentation used in the preparation of reports in compliance with a permit or other regulatory approval These may include environmental studies, consultant reports, laboratory reports, and professional or legal opinions

c) Retain approvals of variances or waivers from regulatory requirements

d) Retain documentation involved in any legal, regulatory, or compliance action

4.3.3 Many regulatory agencies specify document retention requirements (including, but not limited to training

records, inspection records, and plans, etc.) within their regulations or their permits and operators must comply with those requirements For materials not directly addressed by such requirements, operators should seek legal advice regarding retention of materials

4.4 Self-assessment and Follow-up

Operators should develop procedures for and implement routine walk-throughs and self-assessments of operations These procedures should include tracking the findings to completion and resolution, documentation, and possible communication The procedures may address the appropriate level of communication and document retention

5 Site Selection and Considerations

5.1 General

The selection of a project area, and ultimately the well site, is an important step that can have implications for subsequent project stages The examination of a particular project area should involve a thorough review of both short and long term factors related to operational, health and safety, land, infrastructure, logistical, and community considerations In selecting a site, operator should consider suitability for drilling activities as well as future and ongoing production needs, and how the site will be integrated into existing or future field operations Operators should also consider any environmental (sensitive habitat or protective species) and social aspects in site selection A local evaluation of these factors should be made before a well site is selected This may require on-site surveys as well as consultations with landowners and other local interests The objective of this process should be to, as reasonably practicable, select project areas that promote successful and safe operations while reducing potential local disturbances

Well pads should be planned with safety—worker, community, and environment—as a first priority Site selection should also be made with an understanding of prevailing regulatory requirements, surface and mineral lease requirements, and subsurface geology in the area to the extent practical Important factors in final site selection and potential impacts associated with certain locations may include: visual aesthetics, noise, vehicle traffic, emissions (dust and odors), lighting, erosion control, material use, existing land use and habitat, and management of hydrocarbons and produced water.

5.2 Site Plan

The site selection process should include an initial review of potential well pad locations by reviewing various public and private geographic information system (GIS) and mapping websites to evaluate major surface features, such as topography; water bodies and drainages; roads and other infrastructure; and current land ownership and use Prospective well pad locations should also be investigated in the field by key project staff to confirm the site characteristics observed during the initial review and begin location design In some jurisdictions, field reconnaissance of prospective well pads with federal, state, and/or local regulatory staff and/or the surface owner is required as part of the well permitting process During the field reconnaissance, a general layout of the well site (well pad, ingress/egress, equipment location, impoundments, storage areas, etc.) can be staked and surveyed

After the well pad location has been selected and surveyed, a site plan should be drafted for use by the project team

in planning and permitting The site plan should be used in developing other planning and operational documents

5.3 Surface Considerations

5.3.1 Site selection for E&P activities warrants careful evaluation and planning to reduce surface disturbances

Larger well pads required for multiple wells and horizontal fracture stimulation, ultimately reduce the overall surface disturbance when compared to multiple single-well pads These multi-well pads should be sized to accommodate the additional drilling and fracturing equipment and larger production facilities necessary for higher volumes of produced fluids These larger well pads can result in additional localized impacts during construction, drilling, fracturing, well completion, and production operations that should be considered and mitigated as appropriate As soon as practicable, temporary equipment can be removed and excess areas may be reclaimed, restored, or returned to other uses, reducing the location size and overall footprint See API 51R for further information on appropriate reclamation practices

5.3.2 In choosing a project area, operators should consider the following.

a) Encourage regional cooperation among operators to create plans for reducing surface disturbance (for example, developing shared infrastructure such as access roads, navigation channels, facilities, etc.)

b) Pre-plan and adequately size infrastructure and facilities to accommodate current and future production, to reduce disturbance at a location to a single occurrence

c) Evaluate aspects and potential impacts of drilling multiple wells on a well pad

d) Evaluate topographic, population, protected areas and hazards, zoning and other data to locate sensitive or exposure areas [such as churches, schools, hospitals, residential areas, surface waters, fresh water wells, flood zones, active fault areas, threatened and endangered plants and animals (including habitat), protected bird habitat, wetlands, archaeological, recreational, biological, or scenic areas] Where feasible, the project area should be located away from these sensitive areas This planning must comply with applicable regulatory setback and spacing requirements

high-e) Use existing roads and rights-of-way to the maximum extent possible to also include pipelines, utilities, and other infrastructure Where new infrastructure or pipelines may be needed, consider potential impacts of routes, property rights acquisition needs, and construction requirements

f) Consult with the land owner and/or surface tenant to understand present and future uses of affected and adjacent land.

g) Reduce construction of facilities in floodplain areas Certain jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding construction in floodplains and setbacks from water courses and water supply wells

h) Reduce the amount of surface terrain alteration to reduce potential environmental and visual effects

i) Reduce well pad locations requiring construction practices such as cut and fill in areas that can pose possible soil stability concerns and potentially increase stormwater run-on and run-off Coverage under a construction stormwater permit may be required Consideration should be given to stock-piling topsoil, if feasible Subsurface soil conditions should be considered for adequate foundation support of the drilling rig, buildings, pumps, engines, tanks, and equipment used during hydraulic fracturing operations

j) Position equipment and materials at the well pad to reduce the risk of spills migrating offsite and affecting soil, vegetation, and water

Detailed guidance for site selection considerations is provided in API 51R

5.4 Consideration of Visual Resources

5.4.1 General

Visually-significant resources designated through federal, state, and local processes are values shared by the general population They include parks, historic places, preserves, refuges, landmarks, wild and scenic areas, etc In addition to shared, visually-significant resources, local stakeholders value the natural beauty of the places where they live, work, and play An operator should understand the potential impact from construction and operation activities and incorporate design and siting measures to reduce the potential visual impacts

The visual impacts from operations at any particular site are generally minor and short-term, and vary with topography, vegetation, and distance to the viewer Site-specific impacts can be greater with multi-well pads because the locations are generally larger than a single well pad, but the cumulative impact of a large-scale operation is reduced Horizontal drilling provides flexibility to locate well pads in low impact areas and use of multi-well pads will reduce the visual impacts

5.4.2 Design and Siting Measures

5.4.2.1 General

Design and siting measures are the simplest and most effective methods for avoiding or reducing potential impacts to visual resources Operators should work with affected stakeholders to identify and/or map potential areas of high visual sensitivity and consider opportunities to reduce visual disturbance Opportunities to reduce potential visual impacts can be incorporated into pre-construction planning, construction, and operational phases of the site Design and siting measures can include screening, relocation, camouflage or disguise, low profile equipment, project scale, non-reflective materials, painting and color schemes, and lighting controls

5.4.2.2 Screening

Screens are objects that conceal other objects from view Screens may be natural or artificial and may be constructed

of soil, rocks, bricks, or almost anything opaque Vegetation can function as a screen when a sufficient density is employed In natural settings it is generally better to employ natural materials, while in urban settings designers may employ a broader range of materials

5.5 Noise Considerations

5.5.1 Noise is best mitigated by distance—the further from receptors, the lower the impact The second level of

noise mitigation is direction Directing noise-generating equipment away from receptors greatly reduces associated impacts Timing also plays a key role in mitigating potential noise impacts Scheduling the more significant noise-generating operations during daylight hours provides for tolerance that may not be achievable during the evening hours

5.5.2 Drilling and completion, including hydraulic fracturing, operations should be planned with these noise-related

considerations When possible, attention to the location of the access road may mitigate potential noise impacts associated with trucking and the hydraulic fracturing operations When feasible, the well site and access road should

be located as far as practical from occupied structures and places of assembly Noise levels generated by vehicles depend on a number of variable conditions, including vehicle type, load, and speed, nature of the roadway surface, road grade, topography, and ground condition Traffic noise mitigation measures may include modification of speed limits and restricting or prohibiting truck traffic on certain roads Engaging stakeholders that can be potentially affected

by noise impacts will result in nearby parties being better informed about the nature, character, and frequency of the noise disturbance

5.5.3 Other examples of noise mitigation techniques that can be considered with regard to operations include:

a) placing tanks, trailers, topsoil stockpiles, or hay bales between the noise sources and receptors;

b) using noise reduction equipment such as hospital-grade industrial mufflers, exhaust manifolds, or other grade baffling;

high-c) properly maintaining equipment;

d) limiting operating hours of activities such as pipe cleaning, running casing, and laying down pipe to reduce disturbance to stakeholders;

e) locating or orienting high-pressure discharge pipes and other equipment away from noise receptors;

f) installing noise walls or noise barriers

5.6 Road Use and Transportation Considerations

5.6.1 One of the main public concerns with large-scale operations is associated with the potential impact to public

and private roads by vehicles supporting exploration, development, and production operations The following should

be considered to reduce road use impacts

a) Review service rating [equivalent single axle loads (ESALs)] of roads that will be used in daily operations Roads should be rated to accommodate the anticipated traffic to limit additional disturbance and new road construction

b) Deliver source water and produced water through pipelines to reduce long-term use of water trucks

c) Design and construct new roadways with potential impacts and purpose in mind Consider sharing roads and infrastructure with other operators when feasible Landowner input should be considered prior to construction as part of the planning process

d) Maintain roads under either the operator’s control or as required

5.6.2 Road use and transportation issues are discussed in more detail in Section 11 In addition, detailed guidance

for lease road planning, design and construction, maintenance and reclamation, and abandonment are also provided

in API 51R

5.6.3 One of the potential impacts is increased truck traffic to support high-volume hydraulic fracturing Local

authorities retain control over local roads and operators should determine if road use agreements and permits are required Operators should develop a transportation plan that considers the following:

a) route selection to maximize efficiency and safety;

b) avoidance of peak traffic hours, school bus hours, community events, and overnight quiet periods;

c) coordination with local emergency management agencies and highway departments;

d) upgrades and improvements to roads to support the increased weight and use;

e) advance public notice of any necessary detours or road/lane closures;

f) adequate parking and delivery areas at the well site to avoid lane/road blockage

b) Odor—use closed tanks when practical; reduce volumes of vented gas; use natural gas engines in place of diesel engines, where feasible; discourage idling vehicles.

c) Vibration—use same actions identified for noise control (see 5.5)

6 Spill Prevention, Control, and Response

6.1 General

The best way to avoid the potential impacts of spills is to prevent their occurrence Operations shall be conducted in a manner that reduces the potential for releases To accomplish this, companies shall define spill prevention, control, and response procedures in their practices These procedures should address the following topics:

a) transportation of materials;

b) primary and secondary containment measures;

c) operational procedures that reduce the potential for releases;

d) contingency procedures in the event a spill occurs;

e) training for well site personnel;

f) stormwater management and control

Each of these topics is discussed in 6.2 through 6.7

The use of non-fresh water including non-potable groundwater, treated and untreated waste water, and reuse of produced water can require additional precautions related to storage and transportation to reduce the potential of spills

Companies also shall consider federal, state, and local regulations when developing plans See API D16 for more information

6.2 Transportation of Materials

Trucks and temporary piping are common methods for transporting equipment and materials Materials must be loaded, transported, and unloaded in accordance with regulatory requirements and in a manner that is designed to prevent spillage Temporary pipelines used to transport non-fresh water shall be designed, constructed, and operated

to reduce potential piping failure and release of fluids into the surrounding environment

Equipment transported over the highway and equipment used to transport materials shall be checked for leaks Any open-ended lines should be properly capped before transport Loads shall be properly secured and placarded Containers, temporary piping, and other equipment shall be visually inspected for leaks Discharge valves on tankers shall be inspected Fresh water should be transported in dedicated tankers that have not previously carried other materials

6.3 Primary and Secondary Containment

6.3.1 Impoundments can be used to store water for drilling, hydraulic fracturing, or to capture produced water

Impoundments must be designed and constructed to be fit for purpose and in accordance with regulatory requirements

6.3.2 The following are additional design and construction practices for these storage facilities:

— liners for fresh water impoundments are not necessary unless required by local authorities or soil conditions;

— impoundments for non-fresh water (including produced water) should be lined with a natural or synthetic liner compatible with the material being stored;

— leak detection shall be incorporated into the design or operation of non-fresh water impoundments that will be in service for longer than one year;

— an impoundment’s floor and interior slopes should be free of any sharp edges, rocks, and debris, to prevent liner failure;

— impoundments should be protected from stormwater run-off as described in 6.7

Operators should perform and document routine visual inspections As appropriate, corrective measures should be implemented and documented

6.3.3 Hydrocarbons, produced fluids, additives, or other materials associated with well site activities must be

managed according to regulatory requirements Some fluids found at the well site are actively or passively managed

to eliminate spills through the use of various containment methods, including those found in the federal spill prevention control and countermeasures (SPCC) requirements

6.3.4 Material brought on-site (e.g fuel, lubricants, additives) should be managed to prevent accidental release to

the environment These fluids can include both solid and liquid components Primary containment methods commonly used include tanks, hoppers, blenders, sand separators, and lines These primary containers should be visually inspected before and during an operation to assure integrity

6.4 Operational Procedures

6.4.1 Spill Prevention Considerations

6.4.1.1 Key factors in spill prevention include planning and training Operators should review well site and facility

designs to determine where the potential for spills exists Operators should periodically review prior spill incidents and recent facility modifications to identify where changes in equipment or operational practices may be needed Using the results of the review, the following should be implemented, as appropriate

a) Modifying the site layout or equipment/instrumentation installation or removal as needed to reduce the potential for spills Consideration should be given to the use of alarms, automatic shutdown equipment, or fail-safe equipment to prevent, control, or reduce potential spills resulting from equipment failure or human error

b) Having a maintenance and/or corrosion abatement program to provide for continued sound operation of equipment

c) Inspecting and/or testing of lines, vessels, dump valves, hoses, and other pollution prevention equipment where failure(s) and/or malfunction(s) can result in a potential spill incident

d) Operating procedures that reduce the risk of spills These operating procedures should be documented and communicated to operating personnel

e) Examining drainage patterns around a well site or facility and installation of containment, best management practices (BMPs), barriers or response equipment, as deemed appropriate

6.4.1.2 Additional planning and/or controls can be necessary in cases where a well site or facility is located:

a) near a designated sensitive environment or habitat;

b) near a designated groundwater aquifer recharge area or surface waters (such as lakes, streams, springs, ponds, wetlands, floodplains, etc.);

c) near potable water sources or agriculture/livestock water sources;

d) near occupied buildings; or

e) in an area known for unstable soil or naturally-unstable construction conditions

6.4.2 Job Safety Meeting

Prior to job execution, operators should consider conducting a job site safety meeting with site personnel to confirm that the personnel performing and supporting the fracture operation understand their responsibilities and recognize potential environmental and safety concerns associated with operations Recommended discussion topics for this meeting include the following

a) Job tasks and inherent risks

b) Spill prevention and response measures for any equipment or material that is brought onsite or managed

c) Awareness that spilled materials shall be cleaned up, managed and disposed or reused in an approved manner

d) Familiarity with the materials and awareness of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each additive on site The SDSs are readily accessible

e) Information on personal protection equipment (PPE), emergency and first aid procedures

f) Operator and/or contractor procedures and response plans to properly manage, reuse, or dispose of waste generated

g) Procedures to report leaks or spills to the on-site manager, appropriate operator manager and personnel, and regulatory agencies (the information should include the material spilled, the SDS for the material, the location of the spill, the estimated amount of the material that was spilled, and the response action taken and planned)

6.4.3 Equipment Fueling Operations

Equipment fueling operations should be planned and conducted to reduce the potential for spillage Operators and contractors should:

a) review the spill prevention procedures (see 6.4.1) prior to initiating operations;

b) consider the use of portable containment equipment;

c) have appropriate and sufficient amounts of sorbent materials (spill kits) readily available on the well site to provide for an initial response to a spill, until additional equipment and material can be mobilized;

d) develop and communicate methods to monitor fuel transfer hoses, use hose/nozzle covers, and monitor fuel transfers for system integrity before, during, and after fueling operations; and

e) have an attendant present to monitor fueling operations; and

f) avoid fueling during on-going operations, unless a risk assessment has been conducted

6.4.4 Housekeeping Practices

A clean, well-organized work site is indicative of good planning and efficient job execution Implementing good housekeeping practices also play a vital role in reducing environmental and safety incidents Generally, good housekeeping practices can reduce the risk of injuries, spills, releases, or worker exposure to materials The following good housekeeping practices apply

a) Spilled solid materials or free fluids should be removed as soon as practical

b) Contaminated materials and used absorbents should be placed into appropriate containers, labeled, and stored until properly disposed

c) Trash and debris should not be allowed to accumulate Regular site inspections should be conducted and discarded material and rubbish should be collected and properly contained until it can be disposed

d) Piping, tubing, and power cords should be placed so as to prevent tripping or entanglement hazards Conduits or bridges should be used where practical

e) Efforts should be made to store only enough materials required to do the job

f) Materials kept on-site should be stored in a neat, orderly manner in their appropriate containers

g) Solid materials should be protected from the weather and liquid containers should be kept in secondary containment where possible

h) Materials shall be kept in their original containers with the original manufacturer’s label

i) Manufacturers’ recommendations for proper use and disposal of materials should be followed

j) Whenever possible, materials should be completely dispensed before disposing of the container

k) On-site vehicles and equipment should be monitored for leaks

l) The hazards of mixtures or dilutions should be considered

The use of techniques such as sloping the ground surface around the well pad away from surface water locations, positioning absorbent pads between sites and surface waters, perimeter trenching systems, and catchments may be used to contain and collect any spilled fluids

6.5 Contingency Procedures

6.5.1 Operators should develop controls and planning procedures with consideration of the well site or facility

location Operators should also engage emergency responders in local communities to raise awareness of potential hazards; discuss response coordination, reporting and clean-up; and discuss contingency measures

6.5.2 Individuals responding to a spill should be properly trained in spill response and mitigation The source of the

spill should be isolated, controlled, and/or reduced to the extent possible, in a safe manner Methods to control and contain spilled substances include the following:

a) retaining walls or dikes around tanks;

b) flow diversion structure;

c) secondary catchment basins designed to prevent the spread of fluids that escape the primary wall or dike;

d) absorbent pads;

e) booms in water basins adjoining the facility;

f) temporary booms deployed in the water after the spill occurs;

g) use of special chemicals to gel or biodegrade the spilled fluids Use of special chemicals may require approval

6.5.3 Operators must prepare remediation plans in accordance with the regulations and landowner agreements in

the case of a spill

6.6 Training for Well Site Personnel

Operators should verify that employees or contractors responsible for spill prevention and management have been trained in the duties they will perform The level of training may vary based on the duties and responsibilities of an individual Training should include, but is not limited to, the following:

a) applicable environmental and spill prevention laws, rules, or regulations;

b) regulatory or operator-specific plans;

c) hazard communication;

d) operation and maintenance of equipment or measures used to prevent or respond to a spill;

e) emergency response, reporting, and investigation;

f) regional characteristics or site-specific details that should be considered during a spill response;

g) records retention

6.7 Stormwater Management and Control

6.7.1 Operators should consult IPAA’s guidance document titled, Reasonable and Prudent Practices for

Stabilization (RAPPS) at Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production Sites [28], that describes various operating practices and control measures used by oil and natural gas operators to effectively control erosion and sedimentation

in stormwater runoff from clearing, grading, and excavation operations at exploration, development, and sites under various conditions of location, climate, and slope

production-6.7.2 Stormwater runoff can occur from precipitation events Operators shall conduct stormwater management

planning Operators should prepare a stormwater management plan (SMP) in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements during project design The SMP should be site-specific and prepared prior to commencement of construction activities Additionally, the SMP should be updated if there is a change at the construction site affecting the discharge of pollutants or if plans prove ineffective at controlling the discharge of pollutants In the absence of regulatory requirements, operators should evaluate site-specific conditions and consider implementing BMPs as warranted

6.7.3 An operator should verify that personnel involved with construction activities have been trained on stormwater

management procedures before assigning them to these duties When appropriate, contractors should provide documentation of stormwater training or any other training required in procedures

6.7.4 An operator should consider a variety of factors in the development of a SMP, including the protection of

endangered and threatened species, critical habitats, dwellings, and historical properties Also, natural drainage patterns of the area should be considered in the location of equipment, pads, and impoundments so that stormwater runoff does not erode base material, which can lead to equipment instability, or adversely impact impoundments, potentially causing a discharge of fluids into local surface waters Stormwater collected in secondary containment structures should be inspected and documented for signs of contamination prior to discharging

6.7.5 Site construction should be inspected on a routine basis and following each significant storm event Repairs to

the control systems should be completed promptly During the drilling and completion phases, the site should be stabilized and raw materials should be stored in a manner to prevent the contamination of natural runoff

7 Logistics

Operators should consider relevant logistics during the planning stage to facilitate effective scheduling and timely execution of phases of development Factors to consider in logistics planning include the following potential impacts

on the community and infrastructure:

a) area workforce and support personnel;

b) local accommodations;

c) emergency and medical response capabilities;

d) area economics, such as real estate markets and other business developments;

e) contractors and equipment;

f) municipal services;

g) roads and utilities;

h) housing, schools, restaurants, hospitals, fuel and food supply

See API 100-3 for engaging the community and disseminating information on potential activities

8 Baseline Groundwater Sampling

8.1 General

8.1.1 This section provides technical guidance only, and practices included may not be applicable in all

circumstances Given the potential for regional, geologic, or other variations, deviations from this recommended practice can be expected The operator is responsible for contract terms and negotiations, acquiring proper authorization to perform sampling, determining compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and seeking legal advice when needed

8.1.2 The operator should understand the groundwater conditions in their area of operations A baseline sampling

program can help establish conditions at the time and location of sampling that can be useful in assessing the nature and extent of potential future change Operators should be aware that natural variation and fluctuations in water chemistry will occur over time and should be considered when developing a baseline sampling program or interpreting sampling results A baseline sampling program can vary, from a modest program focused on single, isolated exploration wells, to a comprehensive, field-wide program suited for a multi-well, multi-location development project

8.1.3 In many areas existing data may be available to provide a representative characterization of groundwater

resources Operators should be familiar with these existing data resources [e.g regional water management districts, state environmental agencies, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S Geological Survey (USGS)] when assessing the need or value of offering additional sampling Factors that can be considered when deciding to do additional sampling can include the following:

— area and depths covered by the existing data relative to the operator’s well site;

— parameters that are monitored and their associated spatial and temporal variability;

— frequency, analytical methods used, and age of available data;

— applicable legal conditions (presumption of liability) or regulatory requirements

8.1.4 Where sufficient data are not available, the operator should consider a baseline sampling program When an

operator elects to perform groundwater sampling, the approach taken here should be considered to develop a baseline data set This guidance provides a framework to establish existing aquifer conditions in order to discern changes in conditions that can potentially occur as a result of drilling and completions activities

8.2 Scope of Sampling Program

8.2.1 Water Sources to be Sampled

Baseline water sampling is conducted primarily to characterize preexisting groundwater conditions An operator should consider local water uses when identifying the sources to be sampled In addition to groundwater, the operator may choose to sample surface water sources if local conditions warrant such an approach

8.2.2 Number and Location of Wells Sampled

The number of water wells to be sampled should be based on the location of the oil and gas well(s) to be drilled, and the local hydrogeological environment The sample(s) should be representative of the groundwater quality at the oil and gas well location

The operator may also opt to sample the rig supply well at or near the well site Many state or regional jurisdictions require sampling of water wells, which can provide valuable historical information and also affect the baseline sampling program developed by the operator

Sampling locations or timing may be restricted based on the operator’s lease or access rights, or availability and quality of information The following factors should be considered:

a) location of water well(s) relative to the groundwater flow gradient;

b) depth of water well(s) to be sampled;

c) distance from the proposed well or facility;

d) water well construction;

e) well density within the area of interest;

f) inventory of potential water users;

g) site-specific hydrogeology;

h) proximity of receptors

8.2.3 Sampling Frequency

If the operator is conducting baseline sampling, it should be completed prior to and as close to initiating operations, as practical The operator may consider taking follow up samples to better assess the nature and extent, if any, of potential changes or natural variations in water quality

8.2.4 Sampling Methods and Analytical Parameters

The personnel collecting the baseline samples should be trained and familiar with proper protocols for sample collection and handling Similarly, the analytical laboratories should be accredited through the applicable government and accreditation agencies to perform the required analyses The sampling and analytical methodologies established

by the appropriate regulatory authority must be followed Samples, including QA/QC samples (e.g field blanks and spike duplicates), should be collected, analyzed, and documented (e.g chain of custody, QA/QC protocols in the field

and in the laboratory) in accordance with regulatory and accepted industry practices (e.g EPA Field Sampling Procedures for Groundwater).

The recommended analytical parameters are intended to cover basic cations and anions, common occurring constituents, as well as indicator constituents that can be found in hydraulic fracturing fluids or produced water Specific dissolved gases should be analyzed to determine the baseline characteristics of those gases

naturally-The operator should select an analytical method based on an evaluation of the sensitivity of that method, the data quality objectives, and the media being sampled Most analytical methods for measuring constituents in water are

described in 40 CFR, Part 136 For non-aqueous media (e.g head space gas), other methods may be appropriate.

a) Laboratory parameters as follows:

— benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX);

— total petroleum hydrocarbons;

— sodium absorption ratio (SAR);

— total dissolved solids (TDS);

8.5 Additional Sampling and Analyses

If sufficient concentrations of dissolved hydrocarbon gases are detected, the operator may choose to perform additional analyses (fingerprint) to identify the potential sources or origins of these gases Typically, this would be accomplished with isotopic analyses of the carbon and hydrogen found in the gases The isotopic analyses, along with additional information such as local geology, neighboring land usage, etc can help determine the nature and source of the dissolved gases

9 Source Water Management

9.1 General

9.1.1 Water is used in E&P activities, including drilling operations and well stimulation activities In general, hydraulic

fracturing methods will proportionately use more water than other E&P uses It is important to consider these recommended practices as early in the project planning as possible Recommended practices for transport, storage, use, and disposal are discussed in other sections of this document Treatment design is outside the scope of this document

9.1.2 Water is the base fluid for most hydraulic fracturing fluids and can comprise over 90 % (by volume) of the

pumped fluid Section 10.3.2 discusses other base fluids used for hydraulic fracturing

9.1.3 Operators should consider the full life-cycle of water and the project The following factors should be

considered during planning for water acquisition, use, and management in hydraulic fracturing operations

a) Source water requirements: consult with drilling and completions staff to identify the acceptable water quality characteristics Obtain estimates of water quantities required to meet the short-term needs of individual wells, and evaluate the longer-term needs of the project (see 9.2.1 and 9.2.2)

b) Acquisition: identify potential available water supplies, including produced water, in proximity to specific well pads and the project area Evaluate the suitability of the potential water supplies available Characterize the chemical and biological quality and estimate the quantity of the different available water sources Identify potential competing local users and water needs, both existing for short-term activities and future for long-term activities (see 9.2.2 and 9.2.3.1)

c) Transport: identify potential opportunities for transportation of the water from the available source(s) to the well pads or centralized storage and distribution facilities In some cases, produced fluids from the well pads can also

be transported to the point of treatment by the same means (see Section 11)

d) Storage: identify the requirements and constraints for constructing and operating water storage on well pads and centralized facilities Drilling and hydraulic fracturing fluid requirements and operating practices can influence the nature and use of storage facilities (see 14.2)

e) Use: identify the potential composition of the drilling fluid or hydraulic fracturing fluid Understand the volume of the water to be used, the nature of proppants and other additives, and the process for blending and injecting fluids to achieve the hydraulic fracturing objectives Depending on the nature of the water source, water treatment (i.e pre-treatment) may be required before use (see 9.2 and 9.3)

f) Treatment and reuse: evaluate the produced water for possible treatment and reuse Various water treatment options exist that can economically remove chemical and petroleum constituents, and solids from produced water, allowing the fluids to be used in subsequent hydraulic fracturing operations After treatment, the produced water may be reused or blended with additional water supplies to prepare additional hydraulic fracturing fluids (see 9.2.3.4, 9.2.3.5, and 14.2.3)

g) Disposal: if the produced water is not to be treated and reused, evaluate options for disposal (see 14.2.4)

9.2 Evaluate Source Water Requirements

9.2.1 General

Source water quality and quantity requirements will vary depending on the geologic and reservoir conditions anticipated, as well as the nature and extent of the exploration, development, or production phases of the project During the exploration phase, relatively small volumes of water are typically required proportional to the limited

number of wells that are drilled and completed Development activities are characterized by extensive construction, drilling and completion activities, including hydraulic fracturing Of these development activities, hydraulic fracturing typically results in the most significant water use As development activities progress, the operating wells may generate sufficient produced water to warrant consideration of treatment and reuse of these fluids in the development activities In the event that produced waters are reused, the volume of “new” water needed to continue development activities can be reduced As development activities near an end, water use gradually declines Water use during production activities continues to decline, typically limited to maintenance and operations only.

Water sources used during the early, short-term phase of the project (i.e exploration phase) may not be sufficient for the long-term phases, when full scale development and production is undertaken During full-scale development and production, water acquisition may include obtaining water from multiple sources of varying quality and quantities After development has concluded and full scale production is proceeding, the number of water sources and water used should decline significantly

9.2.2 Water Quantity and Quality Requirements

In evaluating source water requirements for hydraulic fracturing, the operator should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of cumulative water demand on a programmatic basis, as well as the timing of these needs at an individual well site This should include consideration of the various water quality and quantity requirements for construction, drilling operations, completion operations, dust suppression, and emergency response, along with the water requirements for hydraulic fracturing operations The operator should determine whether or not the sources of water are adequate to support the total operation

Water supply options for hydraulic fracturing operations will depend on:

a) amount of water and the proximity of the source to the well pad;

b) land use and access;

c) planned pace and level of development anticipated for the long-term, area-wide program;

d) an analysis of the site-specific and regional water supplies;

e) potential competing user demands;

f) climatological, and hydrologic/hydrogeologic conditions of local resources, such as water resources reports and water supply forecasts, including seasonal variations;

g) specific fluid design, based on source water quality, reservoir characteristics and targeted hydrocarbon resources

See API 100-1 for more information on well construction and fracture stimulation design and execution

The fluids produced during hydraulic fracturing should be considered for reuse in subsequent hydraulic fracturing activities depending on the quality and quantity of those fluids See Sections 10 and 14.2.3 for more information on hydraulic fracturing fluid design and specification, use and reuse, respectively

9.2.3 Potential Water Sources

9.2.3.1 General

9.2.3.1.1 Operators should coordinate their operational plans with their anticipated water use and available supplies

identified during the early project planning The potential effect of additional fresh water demand on the local community and region should be considered

9.2.3.1.2 Sources of water can differ significantly from region to region Alternative sources of water such as

brackish, saline, produced, and third party waste water have been used successfully in onshore operations In addition, operators have successfully used seawater in certain offshore applications and should consider the possibility for applications in coastal onshore operations Readily accessible information exists to develop a comprehensive picture of available sources of usable water Sources of information can include government agencies, non-government organizations, academic institutions, and industry partners

9.2.3.1.3 Local water use for agriculture, manufacturing, municipal public supply, recreation, or other uses should be

considered when evaluating sourcing needs Seasonal changes in both water demand and availability are also an important factor to consider

9.2.3.1.4 Competing demand on any one water source can lead an operator to consider alternate water sources,

and/or consider combining different water sources Existing information from regulatory agencies, such as a water development board, water use/management districts, city public works departments, etc., can be used to identify potential competing uses for water Local agencies can also be helpful for identifying where potential industrial sources have return requirements as part of their use permits; this restriction can limit or eliminate the use of third party waste water as source water Operators should consider not only the actual effects of their activities on the local and regional water supplies and delivery systems, but public perception of the operator’s use of water, and potential effects to local and regional infrastructure for their exploration, development and production API 100-3 outlines stakeholder engagement processes for addressing such public concerns

9.2.3.1.5 Water for hydraulic fracturing can originate from various sources, including:

a) surface water (fresh water);

b) potable groundwater (shallow fresh water);

c) non-potable groundwater (deeper brackish and saline water);

d) treated and untreated waste water from municipal and industrial sources; and

e) produced waters from hydraulic fracturing and oil and natural gas production

9.2.3.1.6 Water can be obtained from various federal, state and local entities, including:

a) private third party individuals and companies by contractual agreements;

b) operator-developed water secured by water rights obtained per state regulatory requirements;

c) federal and state water agency programs and projects;

d) private water companies (including co-ops);

e) agricultural water users;

f) municipal water suppliers and rural water districts;

g) industrial suppliers (e.g power plant cooling water, mine dewatering water, etc.); and

h) produced water from oil and gas well operators

9.2.3.1.7 Obtaining or acquiring water from any of the entities listed in 9.2.3.1.6 may require conversion of the

current designated water use, either temporarily or permanently, to industrial use per regulatory requirements Water

sources and water providers can vary over the life of the project (exploration, development, and production), to meet the economic and technical needs of the project.

9.2.3.1.8 Site-specific volume and water quality requirements, regulatory limitations, physical availability, competing

uses, drilling requirements, and characteristics of the formation to be hydraulically fractured (including water quality and compatibility considerations) will ultimately determine the water sources available for use Any treatment to meet water quality needs can require additional waste management The quality of the source water also can affect the performance of the additives that will be needed for the operation See Section 10 on material selection

9.2.3.2 Surface Water

9.2.3.2.1 The operator should identify water supply sources that are capable of meeting their needs while reducing

the impact on community needs and other uses Important considerations in evaluating surface water sources include the following:

a) seasonal variability of supply and demand;

b) water rights and permit requirements from regulatory agencies;

c) surface water withdrawal permits are likely to specify compliance with specific metering, monitoring, reporting, record keeping, and other consumptive use requirements;

d) landowner contractual agreements;

e) water withdrawal limitations because of potential effects on other uses during periods of low stream flow;

f) potential short term and cumulative environmental and community impacts;

g) potential hydrologic impacts in shallow aquifer discharge/recharge zones;

h) transport and storage requirements

9.2.3.2.2 In addition to the regulatory requirements, agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders can have

additional concerns about potential effects to the area API 100-3 outlines stakeholder engagement processes for addressing these concerns

9.2.3.2.3 Management practices to reduce potential seasonal effects on municipal drinking water supplies and

aquatic habitats include the following

a) On-site or centralized storage ponds Operators should be aware of any state and/or local engineering design and permitting requirements, and construction standards for reservoirs and impoundments that will need to be met

b) Use of multi-well pads encourages the use of central water storage facilities, reduces truck traffic, and allows for more efficient and centralized management of produced water In some cases, multi-well pads also enable the option of pipeline transport of source water and produced water Section 13 outlines storage alternatives available for managing water, hydraulic fracturing fluids and produced water

c) Harvesting rain water depending on local precipitation rates, available storage, and the amount of time needed to capture sufficient rain Operators should be aware of any applicable regulatory requirements or prior appropriated water rights